India begin campaign trouncing Pakistan 8-0

Chennai, Nov 9 (UNI) Indians started their campaign in the Velammal International School First World Tennikoit championship on a winning note defeating arch rivals Pakistan 8-0 in the team events here today.

The team championships, played in the Round Robin format, consists of nine matches -- two each in men's and women's singles and doubles and one mixed doubles.

Since some of the teams did not field either their men or women's team, they need not necessarily play all the nine matches. Two matches were awarded for each win.

After a day's rest yesterday, the Indians who faultered in the quarter final stage in the individual events, started in right earnest with convincing wins in men's singles and doubles.

In the singles, G N Surya thrashed Tariq Mehmood (Pakistan) 81-8 and M Raju consolidated it with a 92-11 win over Abdul Qayoom.

In the doubles, Jesudas and Surya (Ind) defeated Zeeshah and Perwez (Pakistan) 64-12 and Balaji and M.Raju signed off in style with 92-15 win over the Pakistan duo of Usman and Tariq.

Since Pakistan did not field their women's team, India gained eight points for winning their four matches.

In other matches, South Africa won all their nine matches for a 18-0 win over Bangladesh, while Germany defeated Brazil 6-0, winning the two women's singles and one doubles. Brazil did not field their men's team.

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